Letter reinserting device



Jul 16, 1957 E. J. DARDEN LETTER REINSERTING DEVICE Filed Jan 27, 1955 Elwyn J. Darden INVENTOR.

BY MW United States Patent 2,799,275 LETTER REINSERTING DEVICE Va., assignor of fifty percent to Washington, D. C.

Elwyn J. Darden, Fairfax,

Leonard Nelson,

This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in binders, and more specifically to a leaf reinserting device for files of the binder type.

In business establishments throughout the country there are numerous files of all types. The majority of these files are of the jacket type wherein letters and other file information are retained through the use of binders, preferably of the metal strap type. When it is desired to remove a leaf from such a file, for example for the purpose of photoprinting such leaf, it is necessary first to release and remove a clip which retains ends of the binding posts in bent over relation, then the binding posts must be straightened and the clip entirely removed therefrom, and finally all leaves or papers overlying the particular leaf which is to be photostated must be removed togetherwith such leaf. Further, inasmuch as the file must remain intact, the reversed procedure is repeated with the particular leaf to be photostated or otherwise used, being omitted.

After the leaf which has been removed from the file or booklet has served its particular purpose, it is to be then returned to the file by repeating the entire foregoing process.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a leaf or letter reinserting device which is of such a nature whereby a leaf torn from its binding posts may be easily reinserted without in any way disturbing the particular file.

Another object of this invention is to provide a leaf or letter reinserting device which is so constructed whereby it may be secured over an upper portion of a leaf above the normal printed matter thereof and will in itself form a new surface for engaging binding posts whereby the leaf or letter reinserted with the device will be retained in the file through the connection thereof with the binding posts.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved leaf or letter reinserting device which is so constructed whereby a leaf or letter may be directly pulled from a file tearing the upper part thereof as it is pulled from the binding posts, and such leaf or letter may be replaced in the file on the same binding posts without disturbing either the binding posts structure or any of the other leaves or letters of the file.

Another object of this invention is to provide a letter reinserting device which is securable to an upper portion of a letter torn from the binding posts of a file, the device being so constructed whereby it provides new apertures for receiving the binding posts, the apertures being so constructed whereby the binding posts are cammed thereinto and locked behind shoulders closing portions of the apertures.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved letter reinserting device which is intended to be secured by a suitable adhesive or other securing means to a leaf or letter from a file, the device being provided with a pull tab which is slidable between adjacent letters in a file and throughthe space between binding posts so that the letter reinserting device and. an associated leaf or letter may be pulled into position with respect to the binding posts and interlocked therewith, the pull tab being removably secured to the remainder of the letter reinserting device in order to restore the file to its original condition.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of a conventional type of file and shows a letter previously torn therefrom in the initial stage of being replaced utilizing the letter reinserting device which is the subject of this invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through the file between adjacent letters and shows the letter reinserting device and the letter attached thereto in a slightly advanced step of being positioned with respect to the binding posts of the file;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 2 and shows the letter reinserting device and the letter secured thereto now positioned with respect to the binding posts of the file;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 2 and shows the pull tab of the letter reinserting device being removed in order that the file may be retained in its normal neat appearance after the letter has been reinserted therein;

Figure Sis an enlarged bottom plan View of the letter reinserting device removed from the letter and shows the general details thereof including the arrangement of adhesive thereon; and

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of a modified form of letter reinserting device and shows the general details thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure 5 a preferred form of letter reinserting device which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The letter reinserting device 10 includes an elongated, generally rectangular strip 12 which is preferably formed of a relatively stiff paper material. The strip 12 includes a bottom edge 14, side edges 16 and a top edge 18. Formed integral with the strip 12 and connected thereto along the top edge 18 is a generally triangular pull tab 20. The pull tab 20 is connected to the strip 12 along a perforated tear line 22.

Formed in the strip 12 are spaced slots 24 and 26 for receiving binding posts. The slots 24 and 26 open through the top edge 18 in the form of narrow entrance slits 28 and 30, which have enlarged entrances 29 and 31, respectively. It is to be noted that the ends of the slots 24 and 26 along the top edge 18 are closed by portions of the strip 12 which substantially close those portions of the slots 24 and 26 immediately adjacent the top edge 18 to present only the slits 28 and 30. The portions of the strip 12 adjacent the top edges of the slots 24 and 26 form suitable shoulders 32 and 34 behind which binding posts may lock.

It is the intention of this invention that the letter reinserting device 10 be secured to an upper portion of a letter for the purpose of reinserting it into a file. Accordingly, the underside of the strip 12 is provided with a suitable adhesive 36. The adhesive may be of any type, but is preferably of the water soluble type.

Referring now to Figure 1 in particular, it will be seen thatthere is illustrated a conventional type of file or booklet which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 38. 'The file 38 includes a jacket 40 which has carried by one-half thereof a strap-like binding post assembly including a pair of spaced binding posts 42 3 and 44. The binding posts 42 and 44 have positioned thereon a plurality of leaves or letters 46 with the letters being retained on the binding posts 42 and 44 by a conventional type of binding post retaining clip (not shown).

When the letter reinserting device is utilized, and it is desired to remove a letter, such as the letter 48, from the file 38, the letter is merely pulled downwardly so that it is torn off of the binding posts 42 and 44. This results in the tearing of large slots '50 in the upper portion of the letter 48 and prevents the proper re-engagement thereof with the binding posts 42 and 44. However, the letter 48 is easily removed inasmuch as only a simple motion is required to remove the letter from the binding posts 42 and 44.

After the letter has served its purpose and is :to be again reinserted in the file 38, there is secured to the upper portion of the letter 48, as is best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 one of the letter reinserting devices It). The letter reinserting device 10 is so secured to the upper portion of the letter 48 so that the tear line 22 thereof is aligned with an upper edge 52 of the letter 48. At the same time, the slots 24 and 26 are aligned with the previously formed apertures in the letter 48 through which the binding posts 42 and 44 previously passed.

After the letter reinserting device It) is so secured to the letter 48, those leaves or letters 46 which normally overlie the letter 48 are folded back, as is best illustrated in Figure 1. Then the letter 43 with the letter reinserting device 10 is attached and slid up into the file 38 in the manner best illustrated in Figure 1. The letter reinserting device 10 is advanced until such time as the pull tab 29 thereof passes between the binding posts 42 and 44 and appear above the upper edges of the leaves or letters 46 as is best illustrated in Figure 2. It is to be noted at this time that the pull tab is generally triangular in outline and is aligned between the slots 24 and 26 so as to freely pass between the binding posts 42 and 44.

Next the pull tab 20 is grasped between ones fingers and the letter reinserting device 10 is moved further towards the top of the file 38 with the binding posts 42 and 44 entering the slits and 28 respectively. When the letter reinserting device 10 is fully positioned with respect to the binding posts 42 and 44, it will appear as is best illustrated in Figure 3. At this time, the binding posts 42 and 44 are disposed behind the shoulders 34 and 32, respectively, and the letter 48 is once again locked in place in the file 38.

The pull tab 20 is now projecting above the remaining leaves or letters 46 in the file 38. Due to the provision of the tear line 22, the pull tab 20 may be easily torn from the strip 12 so that the file 38 may regain its normal neat appearance. The final relationship of the letter 48 and its letter reinserting device 10 is best illustrated in Figure 4.

Referring now to Figure 6 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of letter reinserting device 54. The letter reinserting device 54 has the same general outline as the letter reinserting device 10 and includes a generally rectangular strip 56. The strip 56 includes a bottom edge 58, side edges 60, and a top edge 62. Formed integral with the strip 56 and connected along the top edge 62 by a tear line 64 is a generally triangular pull tab 66. The underside of the strip 56 is provided with a suitable adhesive 68 to facilitate the securing of the letter reinserting device 54 to a leaf or a letter.

The letter reinserting device 54 differs from the letter reinserting device 10 in that the strip 56 is provided with a pair of spaced slots 68 and 70 which extend through the top edge 62 and are of substantially constant width throughout their length. In fact the slots 68 and 70 are provided with enlarged entrance portions 72 to facilitate the entry of binding posts, such as the binding posts 42 and 44. 7

. ha b ento n th ti a h y p ck d m the f tion between adjacent letters or leaves in the vicinity of the binding posts is sutficient to retain a leaf or letter properly positioned therein. Therefore, in many instances it merely required to replace a letter for it to be retained in position. The letter reinserting device 58 will facilitate the re-positioning of a letter in the same manner described above with respect to the letter reinserting device 10 and its action differs from the letter reinserting device 10 only in that it does not interlock with the binding posts of the particular file in which it is used. The letter reinserting device 54 is highly desirable in cases where a particular letter is constantly being removed from a file and being reinserted therein.

While the invention has been primarily described for use in conjunction with files for the replacement of letters, it is pointed out that the invention is not intended to be so limited. There are numerous types of files where a letter is not removed and then reinserted, but where one particular file sheetis removed and superseded by a later sheet. The letter reinserting devices 10 and 54 are readily adapted for use in conjunction with such files. Other uses of the letter reinserting devices will be readily apparent as the letter reinserting devices are used.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

I. A letter reinserting device for replacing a leaf of the type having post receiving openings and having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, said reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab being integral and coplanar with said strip and projecting from said strip entirely outwardly of the planform of said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base.

2. A letter reinserting device for replacing a leaf of the type having post receiving openings and having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, said reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab being integral and coplanar with said strip and projecting from said strip entirely outwardly of the planform of said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base, said reinserting device being weakened along said base to form a tear-line whereby said pull tab may be removed from said strip upon the completion of the letter reinserting operation.

3. A letter reinserting device for replacing a leaf of the type having post receiving openingsand having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, said reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab beingintegral and coplanar with said strip and projecting from said strip entirely outwardly of the planform of said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base, said pull tab including sides diverging toward said one edge and being centered relative to said binding post receiving slots, portions of said one edge disposed outwardly of said base forming continuations of said pull tab sides whereby said pull tab sides and said one edge portion functioning to align said slots with binding posts during a letter reinserting operation.

4. A letter reinserting device for replacing a leaf of the type having post receiving openings and having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, said reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab being integral and coplanar with said strip and projecting from said strip entirely outwardly of the planform of said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base, said pull tab including sides diverging toward said one edge and being centered relative to said binding post receiving slots, portions of said one edge disposed outwardly of said base forming continuations of said pull tab sides whereby said pull tab sides and said one edge portion functioning to align said slots with binding posts during a letter reinserting operation, said reinserting device being weakened along said base to form a tear-line whereby said pull tab may be removed from said strip upon the completion of a letter reinserting operation.

5. A letter reinserting device for replacing a leaf of the type having post receiving openings and having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, said reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab being integral and coplanar with said strip and projecting from said strip entirely outwardly of the planform of said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base, said pull tab including sides diverging toward said one edge and being centered relative to said binding post receiving slots,

portions of said oneedge disposed outwardly of said base forming continuations of said pull tab sides whereby said pull tab sides and said one edge portion functioning to align said slots With binding posts during a letter reinserting operation, said reinserting device being weakened along said base to form a tear-line whereby said pull tab may be removed from said strip upon the completion of a letter reinserting operation, and an adhesive coating on one surface of said strip for mounting said reinserting device.

6. In combination with a leaf of the type having post receiving openings and having been pulled from a booklet having spaced binding posts, a leaf reinserting device for replacing said leaf, said leaf reinserting device comprising a generally rectangular strip defined by a plurality of edges, and a generally triangular pull tab including a base, said pull tab projecting from said strip, a portion of one of said edges and said base being coextensive, said strip having binding post receiving slots opening through said one edge remote from said base and adjacent to opposite ends of said base, an adhesive on one surface of said strip securing said strip in overlying relation to said leaf with said slots being aligned with post receiving openings, said leaf having an edge disposed adjacent said post receiving openings, said base being generally coextensive with said leaf edge whereby said strip is in substantially completely overlying relation with respect to said leaf and said tab projects entirely outwardly of said leaf.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

